Currently there is a great divide in our country and it is broken up into two major parts: the Establishment and the Rebellion.

The complacent followers of the Establishment include members of both Parties (Democrats and Republicans) feathering their own nests and causes, with neither side willing to stand up for the good of the nation if it means political suicide. The Establishment includes the “low information voters” and those on the government’s dole. And the Establishment also includes the people who feel they are the elite and entitled. The Establishment apathy on the part of this majority in the system would be rampant. These will go whichever way the wind blows, regardless of rhetoric.

Then we have the Rebellion–the free thinkers, patriots, the Tea Party, some Libertarians and independent voters. You know, the folks who cling to their guns and religion with pride.

It would include the few within the political system that fight for the truth and justice.

Unfortunately we have a media, controlled by big corporations, with an agenda to bless and protect the Establishment and the Banana Republic Government.

It is unbelievable that the United States is becoming known as a violent country that has a lack of consequences, on par with drug cartel-controlled countries like Columbia and Mexico and/or the strife-torn Middle East. (Think the lack of consequences for both Fast and Furious and Benghazi…)

How did we get here?

Let’s start with the abolishment of the gold standard, which Nixon did via Executive Order. This changed the way the United States was viewed because prior to this, we were the financial leader of the world. Our currency was fully backed, not only by the faith and good word of the US, but with gold. All countries were able to buy gold from us at $35.00 an ounce. We were the world’s repository of gold. We had the world holding our treasury debt, not gold. This was our bond, our power as a world leader. This move shifted power to the Federal Reserve to expand the money supply rapidly in order to overcome the Nixon recession. The Federal Reserve Bank, if you recall, is the one President Andrew Jackson revoked the charter to function by his signature; Jackson considered it his greatest achievement of his life’s work.

By the time Jimmy Carter was president, we were in great financial straits. Unemployment and inflation were off the charts. A misery index was created to show us all how bad it was with our nation. Our foreign policy could be likened to a welcome mat in which countries felt free to wipe their feet on, fearing no retribution.

We were almost there—headed toward Third World status—until we received a reprieve in the form of Ronald Reagan.

President Reagan burst into the political arena and reminded us that we are Americans. He told us that together we could do all things through our God and the abilities He had given us. Reagan diminished the government and its power, giving people pride and a path to prosperity through hard work. Reaganomics were implemented to stimulate the economy and strong cuts were made to make the government more efficient. No foreign country dared to do more than tip toe around this leader. Iran held our diplomatic officials and students hostage for 444 days, thumbing their nose repeatedly at Carter. Reagan was elected and Iran let our people go. He helped bring about the end of communism and the oppression of those living under its rule.

He seeded the economy and it began to be fruitful.

George H. W. Bush was a one-term president—and then Bill Clinton arrived and was willing to work with both Parties to get the job done. He knew it would take cooperation and intelligence. His greatest gift was making things non-partisan—but the seeds of Reaganomics came into full bloom under Clinton’s watch, which greatly helped his presidency.

Too bad no one thought to reseed, instead of just gathering up the cream of the harvest.

George W. Bush had the tragedy of 9/11 to deal with and still left the country in fair shape at the end of his terms. Gas averaged $ 1.89 a gallon. Unemployment was around 6.5%. However, his strength was in uniting the country in pride. His determination to keep us safe and fight off threats helped return the United States to a force to be reckoned with again.

That brings us to today’s America.

We are vastly divided amongst ourselves. We have leaders that chime in on local events that are better left to local authorities.

We have rampant crime and full jails. Innocents are killed on a daily basis for a few dollars, or in this case of Christopher Lane, for the “fun” of it. Instead of the outrage we saw in the media about Trayvon Martin’s death, there is apathy. Where are the Reverends Jackson and Sharpe? Where are the protests, the media coverage and outrage? The White House has been relatively silent as well. It is a shame it is a national issue for one death, but not another.

So the question remains, are we there yet? Are we the latest Third World country?

About the Author

Georgia PolitiChick Candace Hardin lives in Atlanta, Georgia, but grew up in Western North Carolina. She has been greatly influenced in her writing by the culture in the Appalachians. Candace attributes her love of words to her Mother, who taught her to read at four years old. She is the creator and publisher of the literary magazine, Bohemian Renaissance, a magazine designed to launch emerging writers to publication, while providing good literature and art free to the community.
Candace is 100% fluent in Spanish and a student of Latin. She loves dogs and spending time with friends and family. Visit Candace's website: http://kandisays.blogspot.com/

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